Pre-departure advice for your trip to London | Guide to London

Guide to London

1. Pre-departure advice for London: preparing for your trip
2. London Airports: How to get to the centre
3. Accommodation in London: the best options
4. What to see in London
5. Public transport in London
6. The English Gastronomy
7. London nightlife
8. The surroundings of London: cities not to be missed

"I travel, therefore I am. "

I love to travel and I love to travel alone. If you too like to travel, whether it's alone or with company, for work, study or simply for pleasure, it doesn't matter what your personal motives for travel are. Just don't hesitate and read this detailed guide to England, which is focused particularly on London (the Big Apple of England).

Let's start at the beginning.

Destination London: a shared dream

So what can you do to make sure everything goes smoothly from the moment of your arrival?

1. Prepare yourself linguistically

Even if your English isn't perfect, it doesn't mean you shouldn't consider travelling to the UK. Before you travel, use the internet to learn words, improve your pronunciation, learn the different ways of saying something, grammar and much more. Pick up your school books and read a little, find someone who can give you lessons (you can also look online and take lessons on Skype). Basically, don't give in to laziness. One of the most common complaints of Italians living in England is the inability to find a good job and they often end up washing dishes. And it is true; if you can't communicate in your chosen country's language you will have to start by doing uncomplicated jobs until you learn.

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Prepare yourself psycologically

The language and culture shock is tough if you don't go with an open mind.

British people have a strong sense of individualism which isn't "cold", as the stereotype tends to suggest, but is simply a mindset of "independence", where each person does what is best for themselves.

The language is not the same as that which we learn at school in Italy (or in other countries, for that matter); the English you will hear in the UK is a whole other world, and to begin with it could be difficult to relate to the British. You may even always find it difficult to relate to them! For example, relationships in the UK seem to mean something different to relationships in Italy. A friend may not actually be a friend (as we know it), but someone who we Italians might consider an acquaintance.

Another important point is the weather. If you come from a warm climate such as the south of Italy or other Mediterranean regions where it is nearly always summer, you will find it difficult to wake up each morning at 7am when it's still dark (especially in winter). You might struggle with the fact that it rains often - but take courage in knowing that the stereotypes about British weather are overexaggerated. The rain isn't usually heavy; it's not especially annoying and you can easily walk around without an umbrella. That said, your umbrella should always accompany you on your travels in the UK.

Prepare yourself economically

Don't go without money, thinking you will find work within a couple of days. It is possible because "nothing is impossible" but be realistic and put aside an amount that will allow you to live for at least a month and a half without a job. You will find work according to your experience and your level of English, so don't go with false hopes - you owe it to yourself. Obviously you should go with a positive mindset, because your positivity will help you in moments of homesickness (there won't be many to begin with because the UK has everything to keep you occupied). Rent is expensive, especially in central London, Zones 1 and 2 (to see a map of the London Underground click here: What to see in London).

The food isn't as expensive as you might think; you have to find the right place and the right time. A public transport pass, the Oyster Card, is quite expensive, but it depends how, where and when you want to travel. Generally a monthly pass costs over £100, or €100.

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Prepare yourself physically

No, you don't have to undertake a complex beauty regime; one of the wonderful things about the UK is that people don't judge others on their appearance. Perfection isn't as important as it is in Italy, so you can even wander around in your pyjamas with electrified hair! You might raise a couple of eyebrows, but you won't feel out of place.

You will, however, have to prepare yourself for that change in food and climate and be ready to try new foods. As an Italian, don't get too attached to pasta or pizza (and I'm afraid that foreigners identify us only by those two words!) and aim to try a little bit of everything.

Pack plenty of layers in your suitcase and shirts for every season. This way if it gets cold in May (something which isn't usual for us), you will still be able to wrap up warm and not catch a summer cold. On the other hand, the UK has a huge variety of shops, and I would recommend that you go with relatively little and buy yourself a new wardrobe. I guarantee it will happen to you anyway!

Prepare yourself mentally

Fill your mind with useful information - why have the internet if you can't use it for the important things? On the internet you can look for a house and work and information on how to get around the UK beforehand. Do it! Don't arrive at the airport without knowing where to go, what to do and what to say. Taxis aren't really an option in the UK because they are very expensive, so it's better to know before you go.

You may still be asking yourself, "But what am I still doing reading this useless article?" Soon to come is the rest of the Guide to London, where we will discuss airports and transport to London, accommodation, what to see and plenty more.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Enjoy your trip!

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